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Beguile: meaning, definitions and examples

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beguile

 

[ bɪˈɡaɪl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

deceive

To deceive or trick someone into doing something or believing something that is not true. It involves using charm, persuasion, or cleverness to manipulate someone.

Synonyms

deceive, hoodwink, mislead, trick

Examples of usage

  • She beguiled him into giving her all his money.
  • The conman beguiled the elderly couple into signing over their house.
Context #2 | Verb

charm

To attract or enchant someone in a deceptive manner, often by using flattery or pleasing words.

Synonyms

captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate

Examples of usage

  • She beguiled the audience with her captivating performance.
  • The magician beguiled the children with his tricks.

Translations

Translations of the word "beguile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enganar

🇮🇳 मोहित करना

🇩🇪 täuschen

🇮🇩 menipu

🇺🇦 обманювати

🇵🇱 zwodzić

🇯🇵 欺く (azamu)

🇫🇷 tromper

🇪🇸 engañar

🇹🇷 aldatmak

🇰🇷 속이다 (sog-ida)

🇸🇦 خدع (khadae)

🇨🇿 oklamat

🇸🇰 oklamať

🇨🇳 欺骗 (qīpiàn)

🇸🇮 prevarati

🇮🇸 blekkja

🇰🇿 алдау

🇬🇪 მოტყუება (motyu'eba)

🇦🇿 aldatmaq

🇲🇽 engañar

Etymology

The word 'beguile' originated from Middle English 'bigilen', which meant 'to deceive'. It later evolved to also include the meaning of 'to charm or enchant' in the 16th century. The word has roots in Old French and is related to the Latin word 'bīla', meaning 'rod for goading oxen'. Over time, 'beguile' has come to represent both deceptive and charming actions.

See also: guile, guileless.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,807, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.